CEDAR GROVE, NJ — One of the goals set by the Temple Sholom executive board at the beginning of the year was to create a holistic and inclusive K-12 Jewish education. Since that time, the temple has hired a new religious school director, brought on young leaders for four age-specific youth groups and introduced a full calendar of educational and social programming for children of all ages. And, most recently, with a unanimous agreement from the executive board and trustees, the temple lay leaders voted to eliminate religious school tuition to help member families raise Jewish children.

“We believe educating our children in an engaging manner about Judaism increases the likelihood that they will remember their Jewish education fondly and, in turn, encourage their own children to pursue similar positive Jewish experiences,” Rabbi Laurence Groffman said. Simply said, we are investing in helping all of our members have Jewish grandchildren.”

Tuition-free religious school and other topics will be discussed at Temple Sholom’s open house on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. School Director Michael Melasky will be on hand to provide information on the Religious School and Youth Group programming. The open house is for new and prospective members. To attend, RSVP to Emily Goldberg at emilysgoldberg@gmail.com.